Advancements in Treating Autoimmune Diseases with Functional Medicine with Dr. Michael Jurgelewicz

Conversations for Health

Dr. Michael Jurgelewicz is the Director of Product Development, Research, and Clinical Support for Designs for Health, Inc., and has been studying nutrition and wellness for the past 17 years. He is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic in Pennsylvania and Connecticut and is an adjunct professor for the Master of Science in Human Nutrition program at the University of Bridgeport as well as Sonoran University of Health Sciences. He is board-certified in Nutrition by the American Clinical Board of Nutrition, a Diplomate of the Chiropractic Board of Clinical Nutrition, and Certified Nutrition Specialist, and a Doctor of Chiropractic. He is also a member of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition’s Item Writer’s Committee and a contributor to various professional publications. In addition, Dr. Jurgelewicz specializes in functional medicine in the management of a variety of chronic health conditions.

Together Dr. Jurgelewicz and I discuss autoimmune disease treatments, the third most common cause of chronic illness in women, with functional medicine. He highlights the most common autoimmune diseases, the health stage at which many patients come to work with him, and what he expects from patients from their very first interactions to optimize success. He shares probable outcomes with optimized vitamin levels and dosing preferences for his patients, his autoimmunity supplements preferences, and the rate at which he treats patients with gut-healing herbs and nutrients. As a key player in the development team at Designs for Health, he offers an overview of each phase of his treatment strategy, shares exciting developments in the field of autoimmune research, and underscores some of his all-time favorite product and technology developments in the world of autoimmune research and development.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Michael Jurgelewicz

Clinical Trial: Vitamin D and marine omega 3 fatty acid supplementation and incident autoimmune disease: VITAL randomized controlled trial

Vitamin D inhibits monocyte/macrophage proinflammatory cytokine production by targeting MAPK phosphatase-1

Review: An Update on the Effects of Vitamin D on the Immune System and Autoimmune Diseases

Clinical Trial: Magnesium status and supplementation influence vitamin D status and metabolism: results from a randomized trial

The influence of omega-3 supplementation on vitamin D levels in humans: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Science Update: Recent Trial Investigates Potential Link Between Vitamin D, PUFAs, and Autoimmunity

Science Update: Pilot Study Explores Immunomodulatory Actions of Selenium and Vitamin D for Thyroid Health

Science Update: New study demonstrates selenium reduces antibody levels in Hashimoto’s patients

Science Update: New review demonstrates the role of dietary supplements in thyroid conditions

Nutrition Blog: Micronutrients to Support the Autoimmune Response

Research Blog: The Immune Supportive Properties of Mushrooms

Nutrition Blog: The Versatility of Nigella (Black Cumin) Seeds

Nutrition Blog: The Immune Support of Andrographis

Research Blog: Serum-derived Bovine Immunoglobulins and Gut Barrier Function

Educational Webinar - The Thyroid Reboot with Justin Marchegiani

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

02:30 Michael shares his journey into nutrition and the need for his work with autoimmune disease.

04:53 The most common autoimmune diseases and the health stage at which many patients come to work with Dr. Jurgelewicz.

09:14 Standard procedures and lab tests for patients with positive ANA antibodies.

14:29 Dr. Jurgelewicz shares ideal Omega 3 index and Vitamin D levels and probable outcomes with optimized levels.

20:35 Dosing preferences for patients with low Vitamin D levels and supplement recommendations for stimulators versus modulators.

28:48 Ideal levels for thyroid antibody recommendations and testing guidelines.

32:57 Dr. Jurgelewicz shares his preferences for autoimmunity supplements including medicinal mushrooms, black cumin seed oil, and Andrographis.

37:49 The rate at which Dr. Jurgelewicz is treating patients with gut-healing herbs and nutrients.

40:02 A closer look at the role of immunoglobulins in optimal gut health from a treatment perspective.

42:31 An overview of each phase of Dr. Jurgelewicz’s treatment strategy and the supplements and dietary restrictions he recommends at each stage.

50:20 Exciting developments in the field of autoimmune research including targeted therapies and antibody testing.

53:26 Dr. Jurgelewicz shares his top supplements, favorite health practices, and the testing approach that he has changed his mind about in recent years.

59:28 A bonus question - Dr. Jurgelewicz reveals his favorite product and technology developments at Designs for Health.